Situated at the confluence of the mighty Mississippi River and the picturesque Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans, Louisiana is often referred to as the most unique city in America. Due in part to its prominent annual events such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, New Orleans is continually ranked among the world's most popular tourist destinations.
The Big Easy, as New Orleans is known, was originally a French colony in the early 1700’s. The Spanish took control from 1769 to 1800 when Spain transferred Louisiana back to France. In 1803, U.S. President Thomas Jefferson adroitly bought the territory from France for $15 million when the territory was sold to the United States by Napoleon as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The city’s ever-present celebratory spirit is evident in the French Quarter, embodied by those who live here and can be found in every neighborhood throughout the city.